P9 ^^sr 



(C^VN-j 



60th Congress, 

1st Session. 



HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. jDocument 

1 No. 715. i 



OS 685 
.fl5 
1908 
Copy 1 



CLAIM OF FRANCISCO ASTORGA. 



LETTER 



FROM 



THE SECRETARY OF WAR, 

TRANSMITTING 

PAPERS RELATING TO THE CLAIM OF FRANCISCO ASTORGA, OF 

ALANG ALANG, LEYTE, P. I. 



February 28, 1908. — Referred to the Committee on War Claims and ordered to be 

printed . 



vX: 



War Department, 

Washington, February 26, 1908. 

Sir: I have the honor to transmit herewith, together with other 
papers, a letter from Francisco Astorga, of Alang Aiang, Leyte, P. L, 
dated December 15 last, inviting attention to his claim against the 
United States Government for loss of property consisting of dwelling 
house and furniture and two warehouses containing merchandise 
burned by United States soldiers, and for carabao, cattle, sheep, and 
\horses lost at the same time, stated at $12,973. 

Attention is invited to the accompanying report on the subject 
from the Quartermaster-General of the Army, dated 19th instant, 
from which it appears that Capt. Clarence S. Nettles, acting judge- 
advocate, U. S. Army, was appointed surveying officer in this case, 
and that he ascertained the following facts : 

On May 17, 1900, the town of Jaro, which is about 5 miles distant 
from Alang Alang, was garrisoned by a detachment of the Forty- 
third Regiment, United States Volunteers, in charge of a sergeant. 
The town of Alang Alang was burned by said detachment, including 
the property of the claimant, and the burning appears to have been 
a wanton act of an irresponsible detachment of enlisted men, equally 
unjustifiable and unwarrantable. No steps were taken to pro- 
tect the property of the claimant, and Captain Nettles finds the 
value of the property destroyed, including the animals lost, to be 
$4,935. A letter from the claimant is herewith, in which he consents 
and agrees to accept in full settlement of his claim the value of such 
losses as ascertained by Captain Nettles, the surveying officer. 

The Quartermaster-General states in his report, however, that 
there is no evidence that the animals charged for ever came into pos- 
session of the United States troops, and the value of these animals, 
as stated by the surveying officer, aggregates $1,153. 



Q^a 



2 CLAIM OF FRANCISCO ASTORGA. 

From ro])ort8 which accompany the papers it appears that the 
claimant , Francisco Astorga, was president of the town of Alang Alang ; 
that he exhibited marked loyalty to the United States Government 
and was intrusted with the command of armed natives to aid m bring- 
ing in insurgents and reorganizing towns and that his services were m 
this respect valuable. 

As there is no law under which claims of this nature can be favor- 
ably considered by the War Department, the matter is submitted to 
Congress for such'action as it may deem proper. 

Very respectfully, 

Wm. H. Taft, Secretary of War. 

The Speaker of the House of Representatives. 



', ' ■ War Department, 

Office of the Quartermaster-General, 

Washington, February 19, 1908. 
The Secretary of War. 

Sir: I have the honor to return letter of Francisco Astorga, of Alang Alang, Leyte, 
P. I., dated December 15, 1907, iijviting attention to his claim against the United 
States Government for loss of his property consisting of dwelling house and furniture 
and two warehouses containing merchandise, burned by United States soldiers on 
May 17, 1901, and for carabao, cattle, sheep, and horses lost at the same time, amount- 
ing' in the aggregate at stated to $12,973, with all the papers in the claim on file in 
this office. 

From these papers it appears that the claim was originally presented to the mili- 
tary authorities in the Philippines, and under Special Orders, No. 55, Headquarters 
Sixth Separate Brigade, Taclol)an, Leyte, March 14, 1902, was investigated by a board 
of officers whose proceedings and findings are inelosed. The board reported that 
it finds that the claimant was sole owner of the property alleged to have been lost 
or destroyed, and is of opinion that the property was lost as stated but has no 
means of verifying the value of the property as stated by the claimant; that it finds 
that the claimant's services during the pacification of the island of Leyte are entitled 
to recognition, and recommends that he be reimbursed for the loss of his property 
the sum of $(J,5()0 Mexican. 

Under date of October 27, 1902. the Quartermaster-General of the Army submitted 
the papers to the Secretary of War with remark that there being no law under which 
claims of this nature can be favorably considered by this office, it is recommended 
th; t the papen^: be submitted to Congress for such action as it may deem proper. The 
report of the Quartcrma-ster-Gencral, with all the papers, were subsequently returned 
to this office and on December 14, 1904. were referred by this office to the chief quar- 
ternutster, Philippines Division, at Manila, P. I., directing a further investigation 
and report to l)e made l>y a surveying officer to determine the facts as to the destruc- 
tion and loss of the j>roperty claimed lor and iis to its value; also to ascertain whether 
the claimant would accept in full s( ttlenient such amount as might be ascertained 
by the surveying officer t^) l)e justly due for the loss of the property. 

In accordance with these instructions Capt. Clarence S. Nettles, Acting Judge- 
Advocate, U. S. Army, was appoint<'d surveyinj^: officer, and his report dated April 25, 
1905, with copy of the t» stiniony taken by him is herewith inclosed. The facts ascer- 
tained by him as stated in his report an^ as follows: That on May 17, 1900, the town 
of Jivro. which is about 5 miles distant fr(»m Alang Alang, was garrisoned by a detach- 
ment of the Forty-third Regiment, U. S. Volunteers, in chai*ge of a sergeant, and that 
the town of Alang Alang was burned l)y this detachment in charge of the' sergeant 
indudinu' the property of the claimant; that the burning of the town appears to have 
been a wanton act of an irresponsible detacliment of enlisted men, equally unjusti- 
fiable an<l unwarrantable; that there was neither reason or cause for burning the town, 
and no steps wen- taken to protect the proj)erty of the claimant; that he finds the 
value (»f the property destroyed, in which is incliufi'd 40 caral)ao, (iO head of cattle 
12 head of sheej). and 18 horses, to be $4,9:}5. He also repc^rts that the claimant was 
at the time a faitliful adherent of the I'nited States, and incloses a letter of the claim- 
ant dated April 4, 190'>, in which he consents and agrees to accept in full settlement 
of*hi8 claim ag-ainst the Ignited States for proj)erty destroyed by American trooDS in 
May, 1900, the value of such losses as ascertained by Captain Nettles, the Burvevine 
officer. ' ^ ^ 

nihil « ii:': . .-. : 



^ CLAIM OF FKAN CISCO ASTOKGA. 3 

> It appears, therefore, from the evidence adduced, that the claimant's buildings 

■i and their contents were destroyed without authority. There is, however, no evidence 

:-• that the animals charged for ever came into the possession of the United States troops. 

The value of these animals, as stated in the report of the surveying officer, are as foll:ow: 

40 carabao, at $10 per head $400 

60 head of cattle, at $10 per head. 600 

12 head of sheep, at $1.50 per head .- 18 

18 horses, at $7.50 per head. . .^. 135 

Total 1, 153 

From the reports which accompany the papers it appears that Francisco Astorga 
was president of the town of Alang Alang; that he exhibited marked loyalty to the 
United States Government and was intrusted with the command of armed natives to 
aid in bringing in insurgents and reorgani7ing towns, and that his services were in 
this respect valuable. In this connection attention is invited to an indorsement dated 
September 13, 1901, of Lieut. Col. Henry T. Allen, chief of Philippines constabulary, 
who states that Francisco Astorga and Juan Flores are two men who stand out as 
marked examples as Americanists, whose services have been probably of more value, 
if measured financially, than the total amount of their claim«, and that he thinks in 
all justice Mr. Astorga should have compensation for his losses and services. 

In view of these facts, I concur in the previous report and recommendation of the 
Quartermaster-General, herein referred to, that the papers be transmitted to Congress 
for such action as it may deem proper. 

Respectfully, George Ruhlen, 

Deputy Quartermaster-General, U. S. Army, 

Acting Quartermasfer-Gene>al. 



Alang Alang, Leyte, P, I., December 15 1907. 
The Secretary op War, 

Washington, D. C. 

Sir: Francisco Astorga, of Alang Alang, Leyte, P. I., has the honor to invite your 
attention to certain claim presented by me two years ago against the United States Gov- 
ernment for the destruction and burning of my properties in the town of Alang Alang, 
Leyte, P. I., by American troops amounting to $12,973, Mexican currency. 

This claim was investigated in April, 1905, by Capt. Clarence S. Nettles, then acting 
judge-advocate. Department of the Visayas, in compliance with orders received from 
the War Department. 

Captain Nettles came to Alang Alang and examined twelve witnesses besides myself. 
They all agreed upon the fact that the town was burned by a squad of troops of the 
detachment of the Forty- third Infantry, U. S. Volunteers, then stationed in the town 
of Jaro, Leyte, P. I., about 5 miles from-Alang xilang. 

I stated to Captain Nettles under oath all the properties that I lost on that day and 
their value at the time, which were as follows: 

A dwelling of frame, stone, and iron $2, 500 

Set of Vienna chairs, wardrobes, and other furniture 700 

212 bales of tobacco 3, 600 

80 piculs of hemp 800 

2 warehouses and merchandise 3, 070 

40 lost carabao 800 

60 head of lost cattle 1, 200 

12 head of lost sheep 33 

18 horses 270 

Total 12, 973 

It is understood that the report of the investigation was submitted to the proper 
authorities some time ago, but no answer has been received so far as I am aware. 

Under the circumstances it is very hard to make ti living in this province without a 
capital, and I have been expecting to receive this money in order to settle numerous 
debts which I contracted on account of this burning of my property. 

I have always been a loyal and staunch supporter of the government in helping in 
capturing outlaws, etc., as is well known to both the civil and military authorities, 
and therefore request that my petiton be granted in justice to myself. 
Very respectfully, 

Francisco Astorgo. 



4 CLAIM OF FRANCISCO ASTORGA. 

War Department, 
Quartermaster-General's Office, 

Washington, October 27, 1902. 

The Secretary of War. 

Sir- I have the honor to submit herewith the claim of Francisco Astoiga, president 
of Alani Sng P I , for the value of a dwelling house and furniture, tobacco hemp, 
?wow^ehouse8,carai3aos, cattle, sheep, and horses, amounting, f^ fated to $12,973, | 
aUe-ecl to have been lost through the burning ot the. village ot Alang Alang, P. I., ■ 
on tic morning of May 17, 1901,%y United States troops, which burning it is alleged 

^ Tircla/m &"l"eTb^ro to the attention of the military authorities, a board 

of officers was convened pursuant to Special Orders, No. 55 Headquarters Sixth | 
Separate BHgade, Tacloban, Leyte, P. I., March 14, ,1902, at Cangara, Leyte, P. I , \ 
on March 20^1902, which board of officers after considering the evidence presented 

^^'^^Tliat Sefior Astorga was the sole owner of the property enumerated in his claim; 
further, the board is convinced that his services during the pacification of the island 
of Levt'e are entitled to recognition. . ^^ji^--u„„ 

"The board is of the opinion that the property m question was lost as stated but Has .j 
no means of verifying the value of this property with Senor Astorga s affidavit. ■ 

" The board therefore recommends that Seiior Astorga be reimbursed for the loss of | 
this nroDcrtv the sum of $6,500 Mexican currency." , . ^ -o, -t "' 

InTlette? dated Manila, P. I., September 13, 1901, Henry T. Allen, chief Philip- 

^^^' Of al^the naUves of Leyte these two (referring to Capt. Juan Flores and claimant) 
stand out as marked examples of Americanists, as their services to us have been prob- 
ablv of more value, if measured financially, than the total amount of their claims, i 
sincerely commend Mr. Astorga and think that in all justice he should have some com- 
pensation for his losses and his services." A r.r.A 
There beincr no law under which claims of this nature can be favorably considered 
by this department, it is recommended that the papers be transmitted to Congress for^ 
such action as it may deem proper. ^.r t t 

Very respectfully, ^ M L Ludington 

^ Quartermaster-General, U. S. Army. 



War Department, 
Quartermaster-General's Office, 

Washington, November 4, 1902. 

The Chief Quartermaster, Division of the Philippines, 

Manila, P. I. 

Sir: I am directed by the Quartermaster-General to inform you that the claim 
received in this office August 30, 1902, in favor of Francisco Astorga, formerly presi- 
dent of Alang Alang, Leyte, P. I., for damages to his property V)y the burning of the 
vilhige by United States troops. May 17, 1901, has been submitted to the Secretary 
of \\ ar, n-conmu-nding that the papers be transmitted to Congress for such action as 
it may deem prui)er. 

Respectfully, . Chauncey B. Baker, 

Captain and Quartermaster, U. S. Army. 

[First indorsomont.] 

Headquarters, Division of the Philippines, 

Office of Chief Quartermaster, 

Manila, P. /., December 24, 1902. 
Respectfully referred to the Chief Quartermaster, Sixth Brigade, Leyte, P. I., for 
reference to the person interested^ 

C. F. Humphrey, 
Assistant Quartermaster-General, U. S. Army, 

Chief Quartermaster. 
4f By Geo. P. White, 

•^ Captain o/ Cavalry, Qumtermaster, U. S. Army, 

Assistant to Chief Quartermaster. 



CLAIM OF FKANCISCO ASTORGA. 



[Second indorsement.] 



Headquarters Sixth Brigade, 
Office of Chief Quartermaster, 

Tacloban, December 31, 1902. 

Respectfully referred to the Adjutant-General, Sixth Brigade. 
Senor Francisco Astorga, the interested person, is still presidente of the village of 
Alang Alang, Leyte, P. I. 

William Weigel, 
Captain, Quartermaster Eleventh Infantry, Chief Quartermaster. 

[Third indorsement:] 

Headquarters Sixth Brigade, 

Tacloban, December 31, 1902. 

Respectfully transmitted to Senor Francisco Astorga, presidente Alang Alang, 
Leyte. 
By order of Colonel Duggan: 

J. T. Battle, 
Captain, Adjutant Eleventh Infantry, Acting Adjutant-General. 

[Fourth indorsement.] 

Headquarters Philippines Constabulary, 

Manila, P. I., February 3, 1903. 

Respectfully referred to the Adjutant-General of the Army. 

I know of no Filipino in the archipelago more entitled to indemnity for loss of 
property than Mr. Francisco Astorga, presidente of the municipality of Alang Alang, 
Leyte. He has worked incessantly for the Government since the arrival of the Amer- 
ican troops in Leyte, and he still continues to do so. More is due to him than to 
any other Filipino for the pacification of that province and the maintenance of order 
there at the present time. 

It was he who recently sent 200 bolomen over to the island of Biliran to police it, 
and he made a success of his work. 

Henry T. Allen, 
Chief of Constabulary. 

[Fifth indorsement.] 

War Department, 
Adjutant-General's Office, 

Washington, March 16, 1903. 

Respectfully referred to the Chief, Bureau of Insular Afiairs, in connection with 
previous papers referred to him August 23, 1902. 
By order of the Secretary of War: 

William Ennis, 

Lieutenant- Colonel, Artillery Corps, Assistant Adjutant-General. 



Alang Alang, Leyte, .lanuary 23, 1908. 
Hon. Henry T. Allen, 

Manila, P. I. 

My Dear Sir: With the help of Mr. Barrett, inspector of constabulary, I have 
received the revolver and 200 cartridges; I thank you very much for your kindness. 

Inclosed is a copy of the information given by the officers in respect to my petition 
concerning the destruction of my furniture and three houses by fire. 

I ask you not to forget to aid me to secure the indemnity to help me maintain my 
large family. 

Senor Inspector Borscth, of this province of Leyte, should take part in this; you can 
ask this gentleman about the services I have rendered and about the Dios Dios bandits 
which my people have aided much in defeating in the island of Biliran. 

If you have any friend in Congress or if the Secretary of War is your friend, I respect- 
fully ask you to give me a recommendation there. 
Respectfully, yours, 

Frank Astorga. 



6 CLAIM OF FRANCISCO ASTORGA. 

Alang Alang, Leyte, September 6, 1901. 
Major Allen, Manila. 

My Dear Sir: After greeting you. I will manifest the following: 

Since your departure from this province of I.eyte. I find myself sorrowful, that 
nevertheie.>*s. up to date, the authorities treat me well, but not as well as you as if you 
were my father who helps me. Well, as you know, my situation with my salary is not 
sufficient for my families, and for this motive I implore you to give me an employment 
so that I may live and maintain my families. I am about to resign from the office. 

I beg and implore you not to forget to help along the claims for the burnt houses, 
properties of Alang Alang. 

Inclosed are the photos of the new musicians of Alang Alang for a souvenir. 

I await that you will give me an ordinary occupation to enable me to maintain my 
numerous families. 

Your sure servant, Francisco Astorga. 

[First indorsement.] 

Headquarters Philippines Constabulary, 

Manila, P. /., September 13, 1901. 

Respectfully referred to the president, board of claims. Capt. Francisco Astorga, 
presidente of Alang Alang, has lost practically everything he possessed by reason of his 
marked aid to our cause from the first day of our ari'ival in Leyte. 

From Ijcing a fairly rich man he is now, by reason of arson and theft by insurgents, 
almost penniless. He is of the same class of man as Capt. Juan Flores and has ren- 
dered the American cause practically the same assistance as the latter. These two presi- 
dentcs have been sent out independent of white officers in command of armed natives 
to most distant parts of the province — this in addition to their most valuable aid in 
bringing in insurgents and reorganizing towns. Of all the natives of Leyte these two 
stand out as marked examples of Americanistas; their services to us have been prob- 
ably of more value, if measured financially, than the total amount of their claims. 

I sincerely commend Mr. Astorga and think that in all justice he should have some 
compensation for his losses and services. 

Henry T. Allen, 
Chief Philippines Constabulary, 
Late Lieutenant- Colonel Forty-third Infantry , U. S. Volunteers. 

[Second indorsement.] 

Headquarters Division of the Philippines, 

Manila, P. I., November 23, 1901. 
To the officer in charge of the office of civil affairs. 

[Third indorsement.] 

Headquarters Division of the Philippines, 

Office of Civil Affairs, 
Manila, P. I., November 25, 1901. 

Respectfully referred to the commanding general, Department of the Visayas, 
Hoilo, P. L 

By command of Major-General Chaffee: 

McBiddle Posten, 
Major and Judge- Advocate, U. S. Army, Officer in Charge. 

[Fourth indorsement.] 

Headquarters Fifth Separate Brigade, 

Iloilo, P. I., December 3, 1901. 
Respectfully transmitted to the adjutant-general. Department of South Philippines, 
as the Department of the Visayaa has ceased to exist. 

R. P. HUYLUS, 

Brigadier-General, U. S. Army, Commanding. 



I 



f 



CLAIM OF FKANCISCO ASTORGA. 



[Fifth indorsement.] 



Headquarters Department op South Philippines, 

Cebu, P. I., December 14, 1901. 
Respectfully referred to the commanding general, Sixth Separate Brigade, Tacloban, 
Leyte, for investigation and report by the local commander. Should this report indi- 
cate that there are just grounds for a claim against the Government, it is further 
directed that a board of officers be convened for full and complete investigation, 
report, and recommendation for the information of the division commander. 
By command of Brigadier-General Wade: 

Peter E. Traub, 
Captain, 'Fifth Cavalry, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. 

[Sixth indorsement.] 

Headquarters Sixth Separate Brigade, 

Taclohan, January 11, 1902. 

Respectfully referred to First Lieut. M. L. Avery, Philippine Scouts, Jaro, for 
preliminary investigation and report, as called for in fifth indorsement. 
By Command of Brigadier- General Smith: 

W. E. Ayer, 
Captain, Twelfth Infantry, Adjutant-General. 

[Seventh indorsement.] 

Jaro, Leyte, P. I., February 1, 1902. 

Respectfully returned to the adjutant-general, Sixth Separate Brigade, Tacloban, 
Leyte, P. I. 

From what information I have been able to receive, I believe that the clain; of 
Francisco Astorga, Presidente Alang Alang, is just and well founded. 

M. L. Avery, 
First Lieutenant, Philippine Scouts, Commanding Post. 

[Eighth indorsement.] 

Headquarters Sixth Separate Brigade, 

Tacloban, March 14, 1902. 
Respectfully referred to Capt. R. M. Blatchford, Eleventh Infantry, president 
board of officers. Special Orders, No. 55, paragraph 3, these headquarters, for their 
consideration. 

By Command of Brigadier-General Smith: 

W. E. Ayer, 
Captain, Twelfth Infantry, Adjutant-General. 

[Ninth indorsement.] 

Jaro, Leyte, P. I., March' 22, 1902. 

Respectfully returned to the adjutant-general Sixth Separate Brigade, Tacloban, 
Leyte, P. I., inclosing investigation and report as called for in fifth indorsement. 

Julius M. Purnell, 
Contract Surgeon, U. S. Army, Reccrder Beard cf Officers. 

[Tenth indorsement.] 

Headquarters Sixth Separate Brigade, 

Tacloban, March 25, 1902. 
To acting inspector-general. 

[Eleventh indorsement.] 

Office of Inspector-General, 

Tacloban, Leyte, March 26, 1902. 
Respectfully returned to the adjutant-general Sixth Separate Brigade. Examined. 
The attached proceedings seem in due form. 

C. H. Watts, 
Major, Fifth Cavalry, Acting Inspector-General . 



8 CLAIM OF FRAXCISCO ASTORGA. 

[Twelfth indorsement.] 

Headquarters Sixth Separate Brigade, 

Tadoban, Leyte, March 29, 1902. 

Respectfully returned to adjutant-general. Department of South Philippines. 

J. A. Smith, 
Brigadier-General y U. S. Army, Commanding. 

[Thirteenth indorsement.] 



Headquarters Department of South Philippines, 

Cebu, P. I.. April 25, 1902. 

Respectfully forwarded to the adjutant-general, Division of the Philippines. 

Attention invited to inclosed report of a board of officers. It appears that Mr. 
Astorga has been loyal to the United States and has rendered valuable aid from the 
first occupation of Leyte to the present time; that his property, residence, and two 
storehouses were burned with contents by a detachment of the Forty-third United 
States Volunteer Infantry without good cause. The responsibility for the loss of stock, 
carabaos, cattle, horses, and sheep, is not so clear and was probably partly through 
United States troops and partly through insurgents. 

It is recommended that these papers be again referred to the board of claims. 

J. F. WURTZ, 

Brigadier-General, U. S. Army, Commanding . 

[Fourteenth indorsement.] 

Headquarters Division of the Philippines, 

Manila, P. I., July 9, 1902. 

Respectfully transmitted to the Adjutant-General, U. S. Army, Washington, D. C. 
The claimant has been notified of this reference. 

Adna R. Chaffee, 
Major-Genei'al, U. S. Army, Commanding. 

[Fifteenth indorsement.] 

War Department, 
Adjutant-General's Office, 

Washington, August 23, 1902. 

Respectfully referred to the Chief of the Bureau of Insular Affairs, War Department. 

J. Parker, 
Major of Cavalry, Assistant Adjutant-General. 



n 



Headquarters Philippines Constabulary, 

Manila, Novembei' 15, 1901. 
The President of the Board of Claims. 

Sir: The bearer of this is Mr. Francisco Astorga, who has come up to Manila in con- 
nection with the loss of his property at Alang Alang due to burning by the insurgents. 
It gives me pleasure to say that Mr. Astorga has not only been a staunch and loyal 
friend to the American Government from the earliest period, but that he has also ren- 
dered us most valuable services in pacifying a large territory tributary to his town by 
extremely energetic work both in the city and in the field. He is one of the two 
specially deserving men of Leyte, neither of whose sincerity has there ever been cause 
to doubt. If there is to be any remuneration or compensation for losses of this kind, I 
frankly state that Mr. Astorga ought to be one of the favored. 
Very respectfully, 

Henry T. Allen, 
Chief Philippines Constabulary. 



CLAIM OF FRANCISCO ASTORGA. 9 

Alang Alang, Leyte, September 6, 1901. 

Seiior Francisco Astorga makes application for indorsement of claims for property 
lost during insurrection at Alang Alang. 

[First indorsement.] 

Headquarters Philippines Constabulary, 

Manila, P. /., September 13, 1901. 

Respectfully referred to the president board of claims. Capt. Francisco Astorga, 
president of Alang Alang, has lost practically everything he possessed by reason of 
his marked aid to our cause from the first day of our arrival in Leyte. From being a 
fairly rich man, he is now by reason of arson and theft by insurgents, almost penniless. 
He is of the same class of man as Capt. Juan Flores, and has rendered the American 
cause practically the same assistance as the latter. These two presidents have been 
sent out independent of white officers in command of armed natives to most distant 
parts of the province — this in addition to their valuable aid in bringing in insurgents 
and in reorganizing towns. Of all the natives of Leyte these two stand out as marked 
examples of Americanism, as their services to us have been probably of more value, 
if measured financially, than the total amount of their claims. I sincerely commend 
Mr. Astorga and think that in all justice he should have some compensation for his 
losses and his services. 

Henry T. Allen, 
Chief Philippines Constabulary, 
Late Lieutenant- Colonel Forty-third Infantry , U. S. Volunteers. 

Headquarters Philippines Constabulary, 

Manila, P. I., September 14, 1901. 

Copy respectfully furnished Seiior Francisco Astorga, Alang Alang, Leyte, for his 
inlormation. 

Henry T. Allen, 
Chief Philippines Constabulary, 
Late Lieutenant- Colonel Forty -third Infantry, U. S. Volunteers. 



Alang Alang, Leyte, P. I., November 11, 1901. 

The Honorable Military Governor in the Philippines. 

Sir: Don Francisco Astorga y Calderdn, respectfully states the following, under 
oath : 

1. That he is 46 years of age, a native of the town of Zumarraga, province of Samar, 
and at present resides in Alang Alang, province of Leyte, at Calle Philipp No. 6, of 
which latter town he is "Presidente; " that he is an agriculturist by occupation. 

2. That he presents herewith claim for $12,973 Mexican, the value of property belong- 
ing to him and destroyed by fire in the town of Alang Alang, the items of which claim 
are as follows: 

Dwelling of frame, stone, and iron $2, 500 

Set of Vienna chairs, wardrobes, and other furniture 700 

212 "fardos" of tobacco : 3, 600 

80 "picos" hemp 800 

2 warehouses for storage of merchandise 3, 070 

40 lost " carabaos " 800 

60 head of lost cattle 1, 200 

12 head lost sheep 33 

18 head lost horses .• 270 

Total 1 2, 973 

That he suffered the above loss in the fire at Alang Alang on the morning of May 
17, 1901 , which fire occurred in the following manner: 

An American force entered the town without resistance in any form, finding the 
town deserted, and set lire to the same, involving the destruction of all the property 
of your petitioner. 

The Americans, having encountered no resistance, and having found no inhabi- 
tants in the town, the latter having deserted through fear without leaving any guard 
over their property, it is clear that the l)urning of the town was not in accordance 



10 CLAIM OF FRANCISCO ASTORGA. 

with any well-defined end which the American expedition had in view; instead of 
destroying the town, a detachment sufficient to protect the interests and property 
of the residents thereof during their absence, should have been stationed therein. In 
view of the above facts your petitioner believes that the burning of the town could not 
and can not be regarded as a necessity, and that those who have suffered loss or dam- 
age thereby should be reimbursed. 

Granting for the moment that the necessity which caused the American forces to 
destroy the town of Alang Alang was one of the misfortunes of war, your petitioner's 
right to claim indemnity for any loss he might have sustained thereby still remains, 
for the reason that, as appears from existing documents, from the moment of occupa- 
tion of this province by American troops your petitioner has been faithful to the 
Government of the United States, rendering that nation no small services in hunting 
down "insurrectos" and evil-doers; in having scoured the eastern part of the island 
of Leyte, in obedience to military governor's order, to pursue and capture Moxica, 
an insurgent general, who, after shai'p pursuit, a few days afterwards came in with 
his force and surrendered himself to the authorities; in having reorganized the town 
of Alang Alang, persuading the people to return and rebuild their houses in the 
place which the fire had laid waste;, in having accomplished the same work in the 
town of San Miguel, which fire had visited, and in which there remained nothing 
but ruins, both of these towns now being centers of commerce, all due to the inces- 
sant effort and vigilance which your petitioner exercised. At the time of the fire in 
Alang Alang your petitioner was absent from the place in the interests of the Amer- 
ican Government, without remuneration, engaged in traveling about a portion of 
the province in an attempt to pacify the same, to which object he was devoting all 
the energy at his command. 

Even were it possible to justify the destruction of the town of Alang Alang on the 
ground of necessity, your petitioner's property should have been excepted, preserved, 
and protected; but as such was not the case, and his goods were destroyed with those 
of his neighbors, it is as just that he be reimbursed for his loss, as it is that he who has 
demonstrated his faithfulness, and loyalty to the point of idolatry and rash espousal 
of a cause, should not be allowed to suffer injury at the hands of those whom he has 
served. Your petitioner had a com.petence. but today he finds himself in need of 
the ordinary necessaries of life for himself and family. 

The above are tne grounds upon which the petitioner bases his claim, for the amount 
of which he asks reimbursement. 

3. The name of your petitioner, as set forth above, is Francisco Astorga y Calderdn, 
in whose name and favor this claim is made. 

4. Your petitioner was and is the absolute owner of the property mentioned in this 
claim; the said property was not insured, and he has not received indemnification 
for the same in whole or in part. 

Wherefore your petitioner prays that Your Excellency take cognizance of what he 
has here set forth, and that his claim be allowed. 
Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

Francisco Astorga. 



The vice-president and members of the council of the municipality of Alang Alang, 
province of Leyte, P. I., under oath certify that Senor Francisco Astorga, president of this 
municipality, since the date of the occupation of this province by the American forces, 
by reason of his loyalty and good conduct has been called upon to lend his services 
to the Government, and has carried out whatever mission has been intrusted to him 
to the full satisfaction of the American authorities, aiding with his utmost endeavor 
in the pursuit of ''insurrectos.'* bandits, and other evil-doers, and having worked with 
great earnestness to bring this town and the town of San Miguel to their former pros- 
perous condition. San Miguel and Alang Alang were destroyed and have suffered 
much, their inhabitants being scattered in various places; Senor Astorga employed 
all his energy to persuade the people to reestablish the villages, which was accom- 
plished, and to-day both towns are enjoying peace. 

The town of yMang Alang was fired by the^Vmerican force which occupied it without 
resistance, its residents having i)reviously fled through fear, and the village was 
completely razed, the following property of Senor Astorga being consumed or lost in 
the conflagration: A dwelling of stone wood, and iron with its furniture; two store- 
houses of light construction which contained 212 "fardos" of tobacco cloth, and hemp 
fiber; 40 "caral)ao8;" 00 head of cattle, 11 sheep, and 18 horses; approximating a 
total loss of more than $12,200 Mexican, and on account of which Senor Astorga, 
having a numerous family, has been reduced to such a state that he is unable to con- 
tinue his business on account of lack of capital. 



CLAIM OF FKANGISCO ASTOEGA. 11 

This council certifies, finally, that Senor Astorga, having been designated by the 
commandant of this province, Major Allen, to search the mountains of the western 
portion of the island of Leyte for the revolutionary general Ambrosio Mdxica. ac^com- 
plished his mission so well that the latter with his force presented himself shortly 
afterwards to the American detachment at Baybay, since which time the province 
has remained in a pacific condition. 

And for the corresponding effects this instrument is extended in the ' ' Casa Muni- 
cipal" of Alang Alang, October 18, 1901, to all of which I. the Secretary, certify. 

Santiago Agoncillo. 
Alpino Gatela. 
Mariano Obero. 
RupiNO Tante. 
Juan G. de Borga. 

EULALIO CaBALONA. 
ISIDRO DE VeYRA. 

Valeriano Pedrera. 
Edo. Villanueva, 

iSecretary. 

[Proceedings of a board of officers convened at Carigara, Leyte, P. I., pursuant to the following order 

and telegram.] 

Headquarters Sixth Separate Brigade, 

Tadoban, Leyte, March 14, 1902. 
[Special Order, No. 55.] 

Par. 3. A board of officers is hereby appointed to meet at Alang Alang, Leyte, at 
10 a. m., March 20, or as soon thereafter as practicable, to inquire into and report 
upon the validity of a claim against the United States, made by one Francisco Astorga, 
native. In case the board decides the said Astorga has a valid claim, it will ascertain 
and recommend a just and equitable sum of money to liquidate said claim. 

Detail for the board: Capt. R. M. Blatchford, Eleventh Infantry; Second Lieut. 
N. H. Overly, Philippine Scouts; Contract Surg. J. M. Purnell, U. S. Army. 

Such journeys as may be necessary in the execution of this order are necessary for 
the public service. 

By command of Brigadier-General Smith: 

W. E. Ayer, 
Captain Twelfth Infantry, Adjutant-General. 

[In reply to a telegram sent to the Adjutant-General, Sixth Separate Brigade, Tacloban, requesting 
authority for board to convene at Carigara on account of principal witness being at Barugo^the 
following telegram was received.] 

Tacloban, Leyte, March 19, 1902. 
Captain Blatchford, Carigara: 

You are authorized to have board meet at Carigara. 
In the absence of General Smith : 

Bates, A. A. G. 

Carigara, Leyte, P. I., March 20, 1902. 

Pursuant to the foregoing order and telegram, the board met at 2 p. m. Present, all 
the members. 

The board then proceeded to examine Seiior Eziquel Delgado, who, being duly 
sworn, in reply to questions, answered as follows: 

Q. Where were you on the 17th of May, 1900? — A. In Barugo. 

Q. When did Seiior Astorga lose his property at Alang Alang by fire? — A. Two years 
ago, in 1900. 

Q. Do you know what property he lost? — A. One house and two storehouses. 

Q. Of what material was this house? — A. Of stone and wood. 

Q. What was the value of this house? — A. $4,000 Mexican, in my opinion. 

Q. What were these storehouses built of? — A. Of wood, with nipa roof. 

Q. What was the value of the two storehouses? — A. About 3,000 pesos for both. 

Q. How long before this house and these storehouses were burned wore you inside 
of them? — A. Fifteen days before. 

Q. What property was contained in these storehouses? — A. Hemp and tobacco 
was all I saw. 

Q. How many pounds in a fardo of tobacco? — A. About 125 pounds. 

Q. Do you know how much tobacco was in these storehouses?- A. Two hundred 
fardos, more or less. 



12 CLAIM OF FKANCISCO ASTORGA. 

Q. About how much hemp was in these storehouses? — A. About 80 or 90 picos. 

Q. At the time of your visit did Senor Astorga have any carabaos; if so, how many, 
and where were they?^ — A. About 50 or 60 carabaos. I saw them near the town. 

Q. Did Senor Astorga have any cattle, sheep, and horses at that time ; if so, how many 
of each? — A. Yes. About 50 head of cattle, 20 horses, and 12 or 15 sheep. 

Q. WTiat was the value of carabaos, cattle, horses, and sheep at that time? — A. Cara- 
baos, 40 to 50 pesos; cattle, 25 to 30 pesos; horses, 20 to 30 pesos; sheep, 5 to 6 pesos. 

Q. Were these carabaos, horses, sheep, and cattle taken off by the Americans or in- 
surgents? — A. I do not know, I did not stay there. 

Q. Do you know who burned the town of Alang Alang on the 17th of May, 1900, 
Americans or insurgents? — A. Women told me that it was burned by a detachment of 
the Forty-third Infantry stationed in Jaro. 

Q. Did all of this property herein mentioned belong to Senor Astorga? — A. Yes. 

Q. Do you know of any particular act or acts of Senor Astorga showing his loyalty 
and friendship to the United States? — A. Yes, at the time of the fire and afterwardshe 
was giving his assistance to the Americans by acting as guide for the purpose of locat- 
ing insurgent camps. He was armed by authority of Major Allen, Forty-third Infan- 
try, for the purpose of capturing Moxica, and finally drove him to Masin, where he 
Burrendered. 

The board had no further interrogatories to propound to this witness, so he was dis- 
missed . 

The board then proceeded to examine Senor Valeriano Pedrera, who, being duly 
eworn, in reply to questions answered as follows: 

Q. Where do you live?^ — A. In Alang Alang. 

Q. Where were you on the 17th of May 1900? — A. In the country near Alang Alang, 

Q. ^^llen did Senor Astorga lose his property at Alang Alang by fire? — A. On the 
17th of May, 1900. 

Q. Do you know what property he lost? — A. A house and two storehouses. 

Q. Of what material was this house? — A. Wood. 

Q. A^Tiat was the value of this house? — A. About 3,000 pesos. 

Q. \\Tiat were the storehouses built of ? — A. Bamboo. 

Q. What was the value of these two storehouses? — A. About 1,000 pesos for the two. 

Q. How long before this house and these storehouses were burned were you inside of 
them? — A. About three months before. 

Q. What property was contained in these storehouses? — A. About 80 picos of hemp, 
over 200 fardos of tobacco, also fish, sugar, and bread. 

Q. At the time you are speaking of did Seiior Astorga have any carabaos, cattle, 
fiheep, and horses; if so, how many? — A. About 40 carabaos, 18 horses, 60 head of 
cattle, and 12 sheep. 

Q. What was the value of each of these at that time? — A. Carabaos, 25 to 40 pesos; 
horses, 20 pesos; cattle, 20 to 30 pesos; sheep. I do not know. 

Q. Were these carabaos, horses; sheep, and cattle taken off by Americans or insur- 
gents? — A. Some by Americans, some by insurgents. 

Q. Do you know who burned the town of Alang Alang on the 17th of May, 1900? — 
A. American soldiers from Jaro. 

Q. Do you know of any act of Sefior Astorga showing his loyalty and friendship to 
the United States? — A. He gave them sheep. 

The board having no further interrogatories to propound to this witness, he was 
dismissed. 

The board then proceeded to examine Seiior Juan Gariando, who, being duly sworn, 
in reply to questions answered as follows: 

Q. Where were you on the 17th of May, 1900? — A. Near the town of Alang Alang. 

Q. When did Senor Astorga lose his property at Alang Alang by fire? — A. In the 
month of May, 1900; do not remember the date, 

Q. Do you know what property he lost? — A. A house and two storehouses. 

Q. Of what material was this house? — A. Wood, stone, and iron. 

Q. What was the value of this house? — A. About 3,000 pesos. 

Q. What was the material of these storehouses? — A. Bamboo. 

Q. What was the value of these two storehouses? — A. About 4,000 pesos, more or 
less. 

Q. How long before this house and these storehouses were l)urned were you in 
them? — A. About three weeks. 

Q. What properly was contained in these storehouses? — A. Principally hemp and 
tobacco, })ut also such things as are found in general stores. 

Q. Do you know alxnit how much tobacco and hemp was in these storehouses? — 
A. Over 200 fardos of tobacco and al)out 80 picos of hemp. 

Q. At this time did Senor Astorga have any carabaos, horses, sheep, and cattle; if 
BO, how many?— A. About 40 carabaos, 18 horses, 60 head of cattle, and 12 sheep. 



CLAIM OF FRANCISCO ASTORGA. 13 

Q. What was the value per head of this stock at that time? — A. Carabaos, first- 
class, 40 pesos; horses, 20 to 30 pesos; sheep, about 4 pesos; cattle, about the same as 
caraboas. 

Q. Were these carabaos, horses, sheep, and cattle taken off by the Americans or 
insurgents? — A. I do not know. 

Q. Do you know who burnt the town of Alang Alang on the 17th of May, 1900? — ■ 
A. The America,n soldiers from Jaro. 

Q. Did all this property belong to Seiior Astorga? — A. . 

Q. Do you know of any particular act of Seiior Astorga showing his loyalty and 
friendship to the United States? — A. He gave them meat and assisted them in going 
to the mountains to find insurgents. 

The board having no further interrogatories to propound to this witness, he was 
dismissed. 

The board then proceeded to examine Seiior Rufino Tante, who, being duly sworn, 
in reply to questions answered as follows: 

Q, Where were you on the 17th of May, 1900? — A. Near Alang Alang. 

Q. When did Sefior Astorga lose his property at Alang Alang by fire? — A. On the 
17th of May, 1900. 

Q. Do you know what property he lost? — A. A house and two storehouses. 

Q. Of what material was this house? — A. Wood. 

Q. What was the value of this house? — A. About 3,000 pesos. 

Q. What was the material of these storehouses? — A. Bamboo and wood. 

Q. What was the value of these two storehouses? — A. Over 1,000 pesos. 

Q. How long before this house and these storehouses were burned were you in 
them? — A. Two weeks before. 

Q. What property was contained in these storehouses? — A. Hemp, 80 picos; tobacco, 
over 200 fardos; and goods generally found in a general store. 

Q. At this time did Senor Astorga have any carabaos, horses, sheep, and cattle; if 
80, how many? — A. Yes. Cattle, about 60 head; carabaos, about 40 head; sheep, 
about 12 head, and about 18 horses. 

Q. What was the value per head of this stock at this time?^A. Carabaos, 20 to 35 
pesos; horses, 20 to 30 pesos; cattle, 20 to 35 pesos, and sheep about 4 pesos. 

Q. Was this stock taken off by Americans or insurgents? — A. I believe the carabaos 
and cattle were sometimes taken by American soldiers. 

Q. Do you know who burnt the town of Alang Alang on the 17th of May, 1900? — 
A. American soldiers from Jaro. 

Q. Did all this property belong to Sefior Astorga? — A. Yes. 

Q. Do you know of any particular act of Senor Astorga showing his loyalty and 
friendship to the United States? — A. He was at the American soldiers' service at any 
time and he gave them meat. 

Q. When the American soldiers asked a favor of Sefior Astorga did he grant it? — 
A. Yes. 

The Board having no further questions to ask this witness he was dismissed. 

Senor Astorga was then asked if he had anything further to state in connection with 
his affidavit, to which he replied in the negative. 

The board then considered the statements of the foregoing citizens of the island of 
Leyte in connection with the affidavit of Sefior Astorga and the indorsement of Henry 
T. Allen, chief Philippine Constabulary, late lieutenant-colonel Forty-third Volun- 
teer Infantry, and finds that Sefior Astorga was the sole owner of the property enu- 
merated in his claim; further, the board is convinced that his services during the 
pacification of the island of Leyte are entitled to recognition. 

The board is of the opinion that the property in question was lost as stated, but has 
no means of verifying the value of this property with Sefior Astorga's affidavit. 

The board therefore recommends that Sefior Astorga be reimbursed for the loss of 
this property the sum of $6,500 Mexican currency. 

The board having no further business before it adjourned sine die at 4 p. m. 

R. M. Blatchford, 
Captain Eleventh Infantry, President. 
Noah Overly, 
Second Lieutenant Philippine Scouts, Member. 

Julius M. Purmell, 
Contract Surgeon, U. S. Army, Recorder. 

Tacloban, Leyte, P. I., March 28, 1902. 
Approved : 

J. H. Smith, 
Brigadier-General U. S. Army, Commanding. 



14 CLAIM OF FRANCISCO ASTORGA. 

War Department, 
Office of the Quartermaster-General, 

Washington, December 14, 1904. 
Chief Quartermaster, Philippines Division, Manila, P. I. 

Sir: By direction of the Quartennaster-General, the papers in the claim of Seiior 
Francisco Astorga, Alang Alang, Leyte, P. I., are herewith returned with request 
that you cause an investigation and report to be made by a surveying officer to deter- 
mine the following points, viz: 

1. Who was in command of the expedition which did the burning. 

2. WTiy the village was burned if it were deserted at the time. 

3. Why, in burning the village, proper steps were not taken to protect the property 
of Francisco Astorga. 

4. The value of the property destroyed in detail. 

5. Whether Francisco Astorga would be willing to accept in full settlement the 
value of his losses as ascertained by the surveying officer, his willingness or unwilling- 
ness to be indicated in writing. 

Francisco Astorga should be informed that it is not known whether the conditions 
under which his property is alleged to have been destroyed except his claim from 
the general rule that the Government is not legally bound to pay the claim of any 
party who suffers a loss through insurrection; but, as his claim appears to b« meri- 
torious, this Office is willing, should his claim be further verified by this investigation, 
to recommend the case to Congress for favorable action. 
Early action requested. 

Respectfully, J. B. Bellinger, 

Major and Quartermaster, U. S. Army. 

[First indorsement.] 

Headquarters Philippines Division, 

Office of Chief Quartermaster, 

Manila, P. I., January 26, 1905. 

Respectfully forwarded to the adjutant-general, Philippines Division, Manila, 
recommending reference to the commanding general. Department of the Visayas, 
Iloilo, Panay, P. I., for appropriate action. 

Jno. L. Clem, 
Assistant Quartermaster-General, U. S. Army, Chief Quartermaster. 

[Second indorsement.] 

Headquarters Philippines Division, 

Manila, P. I., January 28, 1905. 

Respectfully referred to the commanding general, Department of the Visayas, 
Iloilo, Panay, P. I., for necessary action. 
By command of Major-General Corbin: 

C. G. Starr, 
Major, Assistant Adjutant-General. 

[Third indorsement.] 

Headquarters Department of the Visayas, 

Iloilo, P. I., March 3, 1905. 
Respectfully referred to Capt. Clarence S. Nettles, acting judge-advocate, U. S. 
Army, judge-advocate these headquarters, for investigation and report. 
These papers to be returned to this office. 
By coii^mand of Brigadier-General Carter: 

D. A. Frederick, 
Major, Assistant Adjutant-General, Adjutant-General. 

[Fourth indorsement. 

Headquarters Department of the Visayas, 
Office of Judge-Advocate, 

Iloilo, P. I., April 20, 1905. 
Respectfully returned to the military secretary of the department, with report of 
investigation, as directed by the third indorsement. 

Clarence S. Nettles, 
Captain and Acting Judge- Advocate, Judge- Advocate. 



CLAIM OF FRANCISCO ASTORGA. 15 

[Fifth indorsement.] 

Headquarters Department of the Visayas, 

Iloilo, P. I., April 25, 1905. 

Respectfully returned to the military secretary, Philippines Division, Manila, 
P. I., inviting attention to the preceding indorsement and inclosures. 

W. H. Carter, 
Brigadier-General, U. S. Army, Commanding. 

[Seventh indorsement.] 

Headquarters Philippines Division, 

Office op Chief Quartermaster, 

Manila, P. I., May 4, 1905. 
Respectfully returned to the Quartermaster-General, U.S. Army, inviting attention 
to fourth indorsement hereon and inclosures thereto. 

Jno. L. Clem, 
Assistant Quartermaster -General, U. S. Army, Chief Quartermaster. 

[Eighth indorsement.] 

War Department, 
Office of the Quartermaster-General, 

Washington, July 8, 1905. 

Respectfully referred, by direction of the Quartermaster-General, to Lieut. Xlharles 
C. Estes, 1339 Kenesaw avenue, Washington, D. C, inviting attention to the within 
claim of Francisco Astorga. 

Any information that Lieutenant Estes may be able to furnish regarding the circum- 
stances under which this property was destroyed will be appreciated. 

It is particularly desired to know what, if any, justification there was for burning 
the property in question; whether the case was reported at the time, and whether 
steps were taken to determine the loss and reimburse the claimant. 

An official envelope is inclosed herewith for the return of these papers. 

J. B. Bellinger, 
Major and Quartermaster, U. S. Army. 

[Ninth indorsement.] 

1339 Kenesaw Avenue, 
Washington, B.C., August 24, 1905. 

Respectfully returned to the Quartermaster-General, U. S. Army, with the informa- 
tion that I investigated and reported the facts relative to the Alang Alang fire, on or 
about May 17, 1905, to my commanding officer, Capt. L. E. Hanson, Forty-third U.S. 
Volunteer Infantry. 

There was no reason why the property of Senor Astorga should have been burned, 
and if steps were taken to reimburse tthe claimant I did not learn of it. 

Charles C. Estes, 

Lieutenant. 



There is no return of the Forty-third Infantry, U. S. Volunteers, on file at these 
headquarters. This, probably, on account of the regiment leaving the department 
to return to the United States May 31, 1901. The return of that regiment for the 
month of April, 1901, however, shows that Jaro was during that month garrisoned 
by a detachment of Company B, Forty-third Infantry, no officer being with the 
detachment. There were also hospital corps men and a few men of Company B, 
Leyte scouts. I can not find any record of the number of these scouts; they were, 
however, at that time merely civilian employees, being paid by the Quartermaster 
Department. 

The return of the Eleventh Infantry for the month of May, 1901, shows that on 
May 25, 1901, a detachment of 30 men of that company, with no commissioned officer 
in command, marched from Carigara to Jaro and took station at the latter place. 
The probability is that the Forty-third Infantry detachment left same date. 

Duncan. 



16 CLAIM OF FRANCISCO ASTORGA. 

Troops stationed in Tacloban. Lcyte, P. I., in May, 1901. 

Headquarters and band. Eleventh Infantry (arrived there on May 3], 1901). 
Company K, First Infantry. 

Headquarters, band and Companies D and I; Forty^third Infantry, U. S. Volunteers. 

Duncan. 



Karigara, Leyte, p. I., 

February 13, 1900. 
To whom it may concern: 

Please allow bearer, Mr. F. Astorga, to pass from this island to Calbayog, Samar, 
P. I. He is one of the employees of Mr. A. L. Bindloss, the English agent at Barugo, 
Leyte, P. I. Any assistance he receives will be appreciated. Mr. Bindloss has been 
very kind to the American troops stationed in his town. 

• Charles C. Estes, 

Lieutenant, Forty -third Infantry, U. S. Volunteers, 

Commanding Detachment. 
A true copy. 

Clarence S. Nettles, 
Captain and Acting Judge-Advocate, U. S. Army. 



Special Orders,! Hdors. Dept. of the Visayas, 

No. 55. / iloilo, Panay, P. I., April 1, 1905. 

1. Contract Dental Surg. William G. Hammond, U. S. Army, now at Camp Connell, 
Calbayog, Samar, P. I., will proceed by first available government transportation, to 
this city, reporting upon arrival to Contract Dental Surg. John D. Millikin, U. S. 
Army, Dental Base Station, No. 2, for treatment. Upon completion of said treat- 
ment Contract Dental Surgeon Hammond will return to his proper station. 

The travel enjoined is necessary for the public service. 

2. Capt. Clarence S. Nettles, acting judge-advocate, judge-advocate, these head- 
quarters, accompanied by Mr. Felipe Gomez, interpreter, quartermaster's department, 
will proceed by first available government transportation to Alang Alang, Leyte, 
P. I., for the purpose of investigating a claim submitted by Sr. Francisco Astorga. 
Upon completion of this duty Captain Nettles and Mr. Gomez will return to their 
proper station in this city. 

The quartermaster's department will furnish the necessary transportation. 
The travel enjoined is necessary for the public service. 

3. Mr. William Butler, teamster, quartermaster's department, now sick in the Base 
Hospital, this city, will be sent by first available government transportation to Manila, 
P. I., to report upon arrival to the commanding officer. Division Hospital, for observa- 
tion and treatment. 

The quartermaster's department will furnish the necessary transportation. 
The travel enjoined is necessary for the public service. 

4. Mr. Clements W. Legge, headquarters clerk, is granted leave of absence for ten 
days, effective on or about the 2d instant, with permission to visit Manila, P. I. 

5. Private James A. Nickerson, Company C, Twelfth Infantry, having been tried 
by a general court-martial convened at Camp Jossman, Guimaras, P. I., and found 
not guilty of desertion in violation of the forty-seventh article of war, but guilty of 
absence without leave, in violation of the thirty-second article of war, was, upon con- 
sideration of evidence of five previoiis convictions, sentenced ''To be dishonorably 
discharged the service of the United States, forfeiting all pay and allowances due 
him, and to be confined at hard labor, at such place as the reviewing authority may 
direct, for three months." 

The sentence is approved and will be duly executed. For further confinement and 
disposition, the prisoner will be sent, under proper guard, to Manila, P. I., to be turned 
over to the commanding general. First Brigade and Post of Manila, as required by 
General Orders, No, 111, series of 1903. Division of the Philippines. 
By Command of Brigadier-General Carter. 

J. L. DeWitt, 
First Lientenant, Twentieth Infantry, A. D. C, 

Acting Military Secretary. 



CLAIM OF FBANCISCO ASTORGA. 17 

Headquarters Forty-third Infantry, U. S. Volunteers, 

Taclohan, Leyte, P. /., April 12, 1901. 

To Commanders of Posts, Subposts, anch Camps. 

Sirs: Presidente Juan Flores, of Tacloban, and Presidente Francisco Astorga, of 
Alang Alang, with their command of 30 riflemen and various bolomen, will be furnished 
all aid possible, including food and as far as practicable transportation, during their 
expedition against Moxica and his followers. 

The rations will be issued as for native police in accordance with General Orders, 
Division of the Philippines, 

The well-known loyalty and valuable services already rendered the Government by 
these two presidentes causes me to place great confidence in them. 
Very respectfully, 

Henry T. Allen, 
Major, Forty-third Infantry, U. S. Volunteers, Commanding. 
A true copy. 

Clarence A. Nettles, 
Captain and Acting Judge- Advocate, U. S. Army. 



Headquarters First District, 
Department of the Visay'^as, 

Tacloban Leyte, P. I., May 28, 1901. 
To all whom it may concern. 

Being about to relinquish command of the district and depart for the United States 
with the Forty-third Infantry U. S. Volunteers, it affords me great pleasure to bear 
witness to the good faith, loyalty, and zeal of Sefior Francisco Astorga, presidente of 
Alang Alang, Leyte, during the past year. 

In the performance of all his duties both as presidente of this town and while chasing 
insurgents in the field, Senor Astorga has proven himself to be strong, able, brave, 
loy il, and a thoroughly trustworthy man. It will always afford me pleasure to remem- 
ber the assistance he has rendered me in my endeavor to restore peace and good order 
in the district. 

Arthur Murray, 
Colonel Forty -third Infantry, U. S. Volunteers, 

Commanding. 
A true copy. 

Clarence S. Nettles, 
Captain and Acting Judge- Advocate, U. S. Army. 



testimony of \YirNESSES. 

Teodora Novella, being first duly sworn, testified as follows: 

Q. What is your name? — A. Teodora Novella. 

Q. Where do you live? — A. In Alang Alang. Leyte. 

Q. What is your age? — A. Twenty-five years. 

Q. Do you remember when the town of Alang Alang was burned? And if so, please 
state the year, month, and day. — A. On the 17th of May, and I think the year was 
1900. 

Q. Were you in Alang Alang on tliat day? — A. Yes, sir. 

Q. Tell in your own way everything that you know about the burning, by whom it 
was done, and all that party did while they were in Alang Alang. — A. It was burned by 
American soldiers who came from Jaro. I saw them setting fire to the houses; I did 
not see any officer with them. Later in the day, after the fire, an American officer came 
accompanied by Senor Astorga and others. This officer asked me questions about 
the fire, and who had fired the houses. The soldiers did not set (ire to one house only, 
but to many houses throughout the town; I saw them set fire to Sefior Astorga's house. 
The soldiers came, set fire to the houses, and then went back to Jaro. The soldiers 
did nothing else but burn the town. 

H. Doc. 715, 60-1—08 2 



18 CLAIM OF FRANCISCO ASTORGA. 

Q. Besides yourself, who else was in Alang Alang the day of the fire? — A. Two 
other women who are now dead and a wounded man. I do not know whether or not 
there was anyone in Senor Astorga's house. 

Q. Where were all the people of the town?— A. They had gone to the fields. 

Q. State if you can why the town was deserted by its inhabitants. — A. I do not 
know. 

Valeriano Pedrera, being first duly sworn, testified as follows: 

Q. Where do you live? — A. In Alang Alang. 

Q. A\'hat is your age? — A. Fifty-eight years. 

Q. Please state all that you know concerning the l)urning of the town of Alang Alang. — 
A. The town of Alang Alang was burned on the 17th of May. 1900. by the detach- 
ment of American soldiers stationed in Jaro. I remained in my house in the town 
myself that day. My house was some little distance from the portion of the town 
which was fired by the Americans, and the fire did not reach that part. 

Q. AMio else was in the town besides yourself? — A. Teodora Novella and my little 
brother, who was shot by the Americans. 

Q. Where were all the people of Alang Alang?— A. They were in the mountains 
and on the fields. 

Q. Why had they deserted the town? — A. Because they were afraid; some of the 
Americans and others of the insurrecto bolomen. 

Q. The Chinos deserted the town also? — A. Yes, sir. 

Q. Do you know whether or not the house of Seiior Astorga was set fire by the 
Americans or by the spreading of the flames? — A. I did not actually see the Ameri- 
cans setting fire to the house, but when I saw the smoke coming from Senor Astorga's 
house I went there and the Americans were still there, and they made no efforts to 
save the house. 

Q. Was any of the furniture removed from Senor Astorga's house? — A. I saw no 
efforts made to remove any. 

Q. Did you see Senor Astorga that day; and if so, under what circumstances? — A. I 
saw him with others who came from Jaro with the lieutenant who was investigating 
the burning of the town. 

RoMUALDO Molina, being first duly sworn, testified as follows: 

Q. How old are you? — A. Thirty years. 

Q. Where do you live? — A. In Jaro, island of Leyte. 

Q. State all that you know concerning the burning of the town of Alang Alang. — A. I 
can state that on the 17th of May of the year 1900 I was a member of the police force 
in Jaro, and on the evening of that day I came to Alang Alang with Lieutenant Estes 
because he had noticed that the town of Alang Alang was burned by the American 
soldiers who came from Jaro that day. ^The lieutenant was very angry and arrested 
the soldiers. 

Francisco Astorga, being first duly sworn, testified as follows 

Q. How old are and where do you live? — A. Forty-eight years, and I live in Alang 
Alang, island of Leyte. 

Q. Where was your home on the 17th of May, 1900? — A. In the calle Real of this 
town of Alang Alang. 

Q. Where were you on that day, if you can remember? — A. I was in the town of Jaro. 

Q. What were you doing there?— A. As there was nobody in this town I was living 
in the house of Don Francisco Gutierrez. 

Q. You mean by your answer that at that time all the people had deserted the town 
of Alang Alang? — A. The majority of the people deserted the town. 

Q. For what reason did they desert the town? — A. They were afraid of the insur- 
ractos. 

Q. Were you at any time ever connected with the insurrectos against the American 
Government? — A. Never. 

Q. State briefly what services you have rendered the United States during the 
insurrection in this island, and when you first commenced to give aid to the American 
forces. — A. Upon the arrival of the Americans, I rendered services helping put up the 
telegraph wires, accompanying the troops in searching for and in pursuit of the insur- 
rectos. Furthermore, General Allen sent me in command of a body of policemen to 
the mountains to capture the insurrecto, General Mojica, who thereupon came in and 
surrendered to Major Allen in Baybay. I had the trust and confidence of all the 
American officers in this island. 

Q. Miat American troops were stationed at Jaro on the 17th of May, 1900? — A. A 
detachment of the Forty-third Regiment of Volunteers. 



CLAIM OF FEANCISCO ASTORGA. 19 

Q. Who was in comtaand of tlie detachment in Jaro? — A. The soldiers in Jaro were 
under the command of a sergeant, but the lieutenant of the company which was sta- 
tioned at Karigara came over frequently to inspect the detachment in Jaro. 

Q. Wlien was the town of Alang Alang burned? — A. I think it was on the morning 
of the 17th of May, 1900. 

Q. By whom was it burned? — A. By the soldiers of the detachment of Jaro. 

Q. What reason did they have for burning this town? — A. I know of no reason. 

Q. Were the inhabitants of Alang Alang considered by the Americans to be insur- 
recto sympathizers? — A. Not that I know of. 

Q. From what you know of the town of Alang Alang and its inhabitants, do you 
think that there was any good reason or cause for burning this town? — A. I can not 
say nor do not know of any cause. For many days before the burning of this town 

1 went away, for the reason that the people here charged me with being an American- 
ista; I left the town, considering my life unsa'e; if the insurrectos had caught me, they 
would have killed me as they did the other Americanistas. 

Q. State fully all that you know about the burning of Alang Alang. — A. The smoke 
of the burning town could be seen in Jaro. Lieutenant Estes, Forty-third Infantry, 
who was in Jaro that day. called me and others into the convent and told us, "See, 
there is a fire in Alang Alang," and requested myself and others to go with him to 
Alang Alang. We got horses immediately and came to Alang Alang. When we 
reached Alang Alang, the town had been completely destroyed by fire. The lieu- 
tenant commenced at once to investigate the burning, questioning a woman, Teodora 
Novella, a wounded man, Toribio Pedrera, Gregorio Magallanes, and Valeriano Pedrera, 
who were the first people that we have found in the town. I was present with the 
lieutenant throughout his investigation. These people told him that the town was 
burned by the soldiers from Jaro who had left just a fev/ minutes before. There are 
two roads from Alang Alang to Jaro which accounts for the fact that we did not meet 
the soldiers when we came to Alang Alang. We returned to Jaro immediately and 
a short while after our arrival the soldiers came. I saw the lieutenant talking to 
them and he seemed to be very angry; but I could not understand what he said to 
them. I do not know whether these soldiers were punished or not, but I heard that 
they were arrested. There were about ten soldiers in this party that did the burning 
under the command of a noncommissioned officer. 

Q. Please state in detail what property, if any, of yours was lost or destroyed by 
this fire. — A. 

A dwelling of frame, stone, and iron F^2, 500 

Set of Vienna chairs, wardrobes, and other furniture. .' 700 

212 "fardos' ' of tobacco' 3, 600 

80 ' ' picos' ' hemp 800 

2 warehouses, and merchandise '. 3, 070 

40 lost carabao 800 

60 head of lost cattle 1 , 200 

1 2 head of lost sheep 33 

18 horses 270 

Total 12, 973 

Q. Please give me the dimensions of the dwelling house you mention. — A. 40 by 50 
feet, with six rooms attached. 

Q. What part of it was stone, what part frame, and of what material was the roof? — 
A. It was a frame house constructed of native wood with nipa roof, the timber con- 
stituting the framework being set in stone foundations. 

Q. In what year did you bnild this house and state to the best of your knowledge 
what it cost you. — A. It was built in January, 1898, and cost me ^=2,500 conant; 
considering the difference in the price of wood, the present time, it would cost to 
build the same house ^^5,000 conant. i 

Q. Please state the cost of wood at the present time, and the year 1898. — A. The 
cost of wood at the present time is four times more than what it was in 1898; further- 
more, carpenters were paid for a day's labor at that time 25 cents; are now paid ^'l a 
day conant. 

Q. Did you keep any account of the expenditure of money in constructing this 
house; if so, can you produce such accounts for my inspection? — A. They were burned 
when the house was burnt. 

Q. Then please state to the best of yom- recoUection what you actually pai(i out for 
the hire of carpenters, stonemasons, stone that went into the foundation, the timber 
wood, nipa for the rooting, and any interior dcK-oration that the house may have had 
contained.— A. Of cour.se I can not state all of these amounts delinitely from memory; 



20 CLAIM OF FRANCISCO ASTORGA. 

others I can, such as thnber, nipa. and the logs from which the planks were sawed, 
but the following is about con-ect : 

4,000 bundles of nipa, at F4 per 100 P280 

Timbers for frame 400 

38 logs from which boards were sawed , 570 

Cost of hauling logs and timbers 480 

Bejuco 17 

Nails 100 

Doors 80 

Paints 20 

Total 1, 947 

Q. Please make your statement more definite as to the chairs, wardrobes, and 
other furniture which was contained in the house. I desire you to furnish a list of 
the same, stating as exactly as possible of what it consisted, when and where you pur- 
chased it, and its cost. — A. 

2 wardrobes purchased in Manila in 1894 ?150 

2 sets Vienna chairs purchased from the padre of this town, who was moving to 

another town 150 

1 chiffonier with large mirror purchased in Tacloban in 1892, and 1 small chif- 
fonier 50 

2 marble top tables purchased here from the padre in 1895 60 

1 marble round table purchased from the same padre 40 

2 cane-bottom sofas purchased from the padre in 1895 30 

2 dining tables purchased from the padre in 1895 25 

1 writing desk purchased from the padre of Jaro 20 

2 dozen bejuco chairs purchased here in 1895 24 

2 washstands, 1 with marble top, purchased here from the padre in 1894 50 

Lamps, clocks, and pictures 75 

Total 674 

and a great many articles consisting of books, bric-a-brac, clothing, and other such 
things that is impossible for me now to enumerate but which were of considerable 
money value. 

Q. Are you positive that all of these articles that you have just mentioned were in 
your house when it was burned and destroyed by fire at that time? — A. I believe so. 

Q. When was the last time prior to the fire you saw them? — -A. Before I went to 
Manila in February, 1900. 

Q. You have said that at the time of the fire you were in Jaro, where, for the security 
of your life, you were then residing; please state why you did not remove your personal 
effects to Jaro for safe keeping. — A, Because when I went away I left my family in the 
town and I also left Chinos in charge. 

Q. Did you at any time have opportunity to remove your personal property to Jaro 
or any other place of security? — A. I did not have any opportunity whatever. I only 
carried eight chairs, which are not included in this list. ^Loreover I had no reason to 
fear that the town would be burned, and besides I had not fears whatever for my house 
because I was serving the Americans, and whenever the American officials passed 
through Alang Alang, they used to stop at my house, which was always at their service. 

Q. At the time of the fire, who, if any, was living in your house and in charge of your 
property? — A. My mother-in-law Perfecta Lobo, and my Chino servants came to the 
house daily, 

Q. Is your mother-in-law here? — A. In Tacloban. 

Q. I desire you now to give me the exact dimensions of the two warehouses which 
you have mentioned, and that you state the date when they were built and the ma- 
terials of which they were constructed separately and the cost of each one. — A. One 
was 30 by 20 feet and the other 20 by 20 feet, built of light materials — that is to say, of 
woven bamboo and nipa roof. The one of 30 by 20 feet was contracted by Agapito Litis 
for F448, and the other was contracted by Fabian Maraya for F340. They furnished 
the labor alone for these respective sums of money. I furnished the materials myself 
as follows: 4,500 nipas at F4 per 100, T22S. The timbers and woven bamboo for the 
two buildings, F300; 112 pieces of flooring, at Tl.bO a piece, amounting to F168. 

Q. How do you account for the difference in the statement heretofore rendered by 
you wherein the value of the two warehouse's was stated is F3,070, whereas accord- 
ing to the present calculation their cost amounts only to F1.484? — A. In the state- 
ment previously rendered the item of F3,070 was intended to include certain articles 
of merchandise, such as clothing, lice, etc., which were in the storehouses. 



CLAIM OF FKANCISCO ASTORGA. 21 

Q. In your statement of articles destroyed I note the items of 112 fardos of tobacco 
and 80 picos of hemp; where were this tobacco and hemp stored? — A. In the two 
warehouses. 

Q. How is it that you are able to state positively the number of fardos of tobacco 
and hemp that were contained in the storehouses? — A. This is stated upon the in-" 
formation given me by the Chinamen whom I had employed in the storehouses. 

Q. What were the Chinamen's names? — A. One of them was Andres Uychijon 
and the other was called Yah. 

Q. What was the value at that time of the tobacco per fardo and the hemp per 
pico? — A. The value of hemp was !P10 per pico; as to the tobacco, that was pur- 
chased at various prices, and we paid out for this tobacco the sum of money that was 
stated, F3,600; but my wife and the Chinos who bought it can state about how this 
amount is calculated better than myself; I can state, however, that if I had at this 
time the same tobacco it would be worth now IP 14, 000. 

Q, What would it cost to rebuild the two storehouses at this time? — A. The two 
warehouses would cost now ^^1,000, because the price of the bamboo is less now than 
it was then, being more plentiful. 

Q. In relation to the 40 carabaos, 60 head of cattle, 12 head of sheep, and 18 horses 
included in your statement of losses, where were these animals kept; at your resi- 
dence of this town of Alang Alang or at your hacienda? — A. I had the cattle in the 
corral behind the convent house, the carabaos in a corral behind my house, and the 
horses were in charge of the Chinos who were taking care of my storehouses. 

Q. Were all of these animals lost entirely by you and have you never recovered 
possession of any of them? — A. They were all lost by me. They disappeared on the 
day when Alang Alang was burned and I have never recovered any of them. 

Q. Are you positive about the number of animals that you owned and that, as it is 
stated in the list, the number is correct? — A. I am positive. 

Q. Who else can testify as to the number of animals that you had at that time? — A. 
Everybody in this town. 

Q. How do you arrive at the values of these animals as stated in your list of losses? — 
A. The values are based upon the prices paid for the animals prior to the revolution, 
which was much less than the prices at the present time. Carabaos were worth from 
^"15 to P^25, cows from f^l5 to P^25, sheep at T^S a head, and horses from P'lO to ?'20. 

Agapito Lelis, being first duly sworn, testified as follows; 

Q. Where do you live? — A. I live in Alang Alang, island of Leyte. 

Q. What is your age? — A. Forty-two years. 

Q. What is your occupation? — A. I am a farmer. 

Q. Did you at any time build a storehouse for Sehor Astorga? And if so, please 
state when. — ^A. I built a storehouse for Seiior Astorga in the year 1897. 

Q. What did he pay you for building it? — A. Three hundred and forty pesos. 

Q. What was the size of that storehouse and of what material was it constructed? — ■ 
A. Twenty- two and one-half by twenty feet, built of wood, woven bamboo matting 
nipa roof, and plank floor. 

Q. Who furnished the materials for the construction of this storehouse? — A. Senor 
Astorga; I was only paid for constructing it. 

Q. In your opinion, when completed, what was the value of that storehouse? — A. 
More than T700. 

Q. Where is that storehouse now? — A. It was burned when the town of Alang Alang 
was destroyed by fire by the American soldiers. 

Fabian Maraya, being fu'st duly sworn, testified as follows: 

Q. Where do you live? — A. I live in Alang Alang, island of Leyte. 

Q. What is your age? — A. Forty-eight years. 

Q. What is your occupation? — ^A. I am a farmer. 

Q. Did you at any time build a house for Senor Astorga; if so, when? — A. Yes; I 
built a house for Sefior Astorga in the year 1897. 

Q. What did he pay you for building it? — A. Three hundred and forty pesos. 

Q. What was the size of that storehouse and of what material was it constructed? — ■ 
A. Twenty-two and one-half by twenty feet, built of wood, woven bamboo matting 
and nipa roof and plank floor. 

Q. Who furnished the materials for the construction of this storehouse? — Seiior 
Astorga; I was only paid for constructing it. 

Q. In your opinion, when completed, what was the value of that storehouse? — 
A. About FOOO. 

Q. Where is that storehouse now? — A. It was burned when the town of Alang Alang 
was destroyed by fire. 



22 CLAIM OF FKANCISCO ASTOEGA. 

Chino Uy-Quangco "a" Yah testified as follows: 

Q. Where do you live? — A. I live in Alang Alang, island of Leyte. 

Q. What is your age? — A. Thirty-five years. 

Q. What is your occupation? — A. I am a clerk in a Chino store. 

Q. What was your business in May, 1900? — A. I. was in charge of a storehouse of 
Seiior Astorga. 

Q. What happened to that storehouse on the 17th of May. 1900? — A. It was burned. 

Q. Where were you on the day it was burned? — A. I was in Jaro that day. 

Q. Why did you leave the storehouse and go to Jaro? — A. I left Alang Alang for 
Jaro two months before the fire because I was afraid of the insurrecto bolomen. When 
I left I turned over the keys of the storehouse to the wife of Sefior Astorga. 

Q. Can you tell me what was contained in that storehouse when you turned over 
the keys to Scnora Astorga? — A. Forty-six picos of hemp, 87 fardos of tobacco, and 
about IPl.OOO in other goods. 

Q. What kind of goods do you mean by other goods? — A. Clothing and rice. 

Q. How can you state positively that there were 87 fardos of tobacco and 46 picos 
of hemp in that warehouse? — A. I remember these quantities of tobacco and hemp 
from entries I made in my books that I kept at that time. 

Q. What was the value of that hemp and tobacco? — A. The hemp more than P^900 
and tobacco about P'l.OOO 

Q. How do you arrive at these figures? — A. I figure the hemp from the value of 
hemp at that time in Tacloban, which was ^^20 per pico, and the tobacco according 
to the money that was paid for it. 

Q. Are you able to state now what money was paid for the tobacco that was at that 
storehouse? — A. Yes; because we had there 1,000 pesos for thi^ purchase of tobacco 
and that amount has been expended. 

Q. Do you know what was in the other storehouse of Senor Astorga? — A. Yes; there 
were about 34 or 36 picos of hemp, and about 125 fardos of tobacco. I do not know 
about the other goods. 

Q. How do you know about the number of picos of hemp and fardos of tobacco that 
were there? — A. Because the other Chinaman told me so, and besides I saw some 
tobacco and hemp there myself. 

Q. Did the other Chinaman leave Alang Alang at the same time you did?^ — A. Yes, 
sir. 

Q. Tell me how many carabaos and how many head of cattle Seiior Astorga had at 
that time. — A. About 40 carabaos, 60 head of cattle, and 18 horses. 

Q. Where was these animals kept? — A. Here in the town. 

Q. Who had charge of the carabaos? — A. Some natives, but I had charge of 10 cara- 
baos and 6 horses. 

Q. What did you do with these carabaos and horses when you went to Jaro? — A. I 
turned them over to the wife of Senor Astorga. 

Chino Uychijon testified as follows: 

Q. How old are you? — A. forty-one years, 

Q. What is your occupation? — A. I am a merchant. 

Q. Where do you live? — A. In Alang Alang, island of Leyte. 

Q. What was your business in the month of May, 1900? — A. I was in charge of a store- 
house belonging to Sefior Astorga. 

Q. What happened to that storehouse on the 17th of May, 1900? — X. It was burned. 

Q. Where were you at the time it was burned? — A. I was in Jaro. 

Q. When did you leave Alang Alang for Jaro? — A. In the month of March of same 
year. 

Q. Why did you leave Alaug Alang? — A. I left Alang Alang when all the China- 
men left, and also the majority of the people because we were afraid of the insurrectos. 
Before I left I delivered the keys of the storehouse to the wife of Seiior Astorga. 

Q. What was in that storehouse when you left? — A. Hemp, tobacco, clothing, and 
some other goods. 

Q. Can you state how much hemp and tobacco was in the storehouse, aiul its value? — 
A. I had 34 picos of hemp and 125 fardos of tobacco. The hemp was worth more than 
700 pesos and the tobacco more than 2,000 pesos. 

Q. On what do you base your statement as to the amount of tolMcco and hemp 
stored there at that time? — A. I recollect from the entries which I made in the books 
that I kept, and which I noted at the time when I turned over the keys. 

Q. Di(i you h'AYo charge of any carabaos or horses of Senor Astorga at that time; if 
so, how many? — A. I had charge of 23 carabaos and 12 horses. 

Q. What were carabaos and horses worth at that time? — A. A carabao was worth 
from 30 to 40 pesos and a horse from 15 to 20 pesos. 



CLAIM OF FRANCISCO ASTORGA. 23 

Pablo Barrantes, having been first duly sworn, testified as follows: 

Q. Where do you live? — A. I live in Alang Alang, island of Leyte. 

Q. How old are you? — A. Twenty-eight years. 

Q. What is your occupation? — A. I am municipal treasurer for Alang Alang. 

Q. Were you familiar with the house and furniture formerly owned by Senor Fran- 
cisco Astorga, which was burned on the 17th of May, 1900? — A. Yes, sir. 

Q. Please describe the house and give me your opinion as to its value at that time. — 
A. That house was the best house in Alang Alang. It was built with strong materials 
and nipa roof. The house was worth more than 2,000 pesos. 

Q. How much at the present time would it cost to replace that house, considering the 
present prices of the same materials of which it was constructed? — A. More than 3,000 
pesos. 

Q. What was the character of, and describe as well as your recollection may permit, 
the household goods with which that house was fui'nished. — A. There were wardrobes, 
Vienna chairs, chiffoniers, and other furniture. 

Q. What would you say that that furniture was worth if you were valuing it for 
taxation? — A. Close to 1,000 pesos. 

Q. What was the value of carabaos, cattle, sheep, and native horses per head in 
Alang Alang at that time? — A. Horses were worth 20 pesos, carabao 35 pesos, cattle 
.25 pesos per head, and sheep 5 pesos a pair. 

Q. What, in your opinion, was the value of the stprehouses of Senor Astorga, which 
~were also burned in the year 1900? — A. More than 3,000 pesos. 

Angela Zabala de Astorga, being first duly sworn, testified as follows: 

Q. Where do you live? — A. In Alang Alang, island of Leyte. 

Q. What is your relation to Senor Francisco Astorga? — A. I am his wife. 

Q. Did you enjoy the same relation in the year 1900? — A. Yes, sir. 

Q. Please state generally what loss of property your husband sustained on or about 
the 17th of May of the year 1900. — A. He lost his dwelling house and all of the furni- 
ture, two storehouses and their contents consisting of, in one storehouse in charge of a 
Chinaman called Yah, 46 picos of hemp, 87 fardos of tobacco, and some cases of cloth- 
ing that I am unable to recollect specifically, and the other, in charge of a Chino called 
Andres, 125 fardos of tobacco, 34 picos of hemp, and also some cases of clothing, 40 
carabaos, 18 horses, 12 sheep, and 60 head of cattle. 

Q. How is it that you are able to state definitely the quantity of tobacco and hemp 
that was in those storehouses and can not recollect the other articles such as boxes of 
clothing, etc.? — A. For the reason that I paid special attention to the tobacco and 
hemp for which we are paying out money and which was the most valuable part of the 
business. 

Q. What was the value of the hemp and tobacco in those storehouses? — A. The 
hemp was worth 10 pesos a pico at that time. I can not state exactly the value of 
the tobacco per fardo because the fardos were of different prices according to their 
size and class. We classified them as first, second, and third class quality, but I can 
state that we paid more than 3,000 pesos for the tobacco stored there. 

Q. Are you positive that all of that tobacco and hemp was in those storehouses 
when they were burned? — A. Yes, sir. 

Q. WTien had you last seen them there? — A. In the month of April when I left for 
Barugo. 

Q. Did you leave those storehouses well closed or in charge of some one when you 
left in April? — A. They were locked up, but nobody had charge of them. 

Q. Having all of these carabaos and horses, why did you not take these valuable 
stores with you to Barugo? — A. It was impossible at that time, because there was a fight 
between Americans and insurrectos nearby. I feared for my life and made my escape 
as quickly as possible. 

Q. Did I understand your husband to testify this morning that when you left, your 
mother remained in your dwelling house in Alang Alang? — A. Yes, sir. 

Q. If you feared for your life, why did she remain? — A. She was sick on that day and 
it was impossible for her to leave, but she did leave afterwards, as soon as she could. 

Q. Please state as definitely as you can what articles of furniture you left in your 
house upon your departure. — A. Wardrobes, 1 set of Vienna chairs and bejuco chairs, 
2 large dining tables, 10 narra chairs, 1 large marble-top table, 2 marble-top tables, 1 
marble-top washstand, 2 chiffoniers with large mirrors, 9 trunks with clothing, and 
some other effects. I can not state the prices of these articles, because my husband 
bought them and paid for them. We also had 2 beds, 2 lamps, and 4 clocks. 

Q. All of these things were destroyed when your residence was burned? — ^A. Yes, 
sir. 



24 OLiAIM OF FRANCISCO ASTOBGA. 

Julian Lego, being first duly sworn, testified as follows: 

Q. What is your age and where do you live? — A. Fifty years of age, and I^live in 
Alang Alang, Leyte. IWlp^s*-* 

Q. Where were you living in May, 1900? — A. I was living in Jaro, Island of Leyte. 

Q. What office you held at that time? — A. 1 was presidente of the town. 

Q. What American soldiers, if any, were stationed in Jaro in May, 1900? — A, A 
detachment of the Forty-third Infantry, U. S. Volunteers. 

Q. Under whose command w^ere this detachment? — A. Under Lieutenant Estes. 
Lieutenant Estes, whose station was at Karigara, visited Jaro for the purpose of inspect- 
ing the detachment from time to time. A sergeant was in charge of the detachment, 
I do not know his name, but we called him "Bulauan'' because he had gold in his 
teeth. 

Q. Do you know who burned the town of Alang Alang on the 17th of May, 1900? 
If so, state who it was. — A. Soldiers belonging to the detachment of Jaro under the 
command of a sergeant. 

Q. How do you know that they did this biu-ning? — A. Because the soldiers them- 
selves said so upon their return to Jaro. 

Q. Was any American officer in Jaro at the time the detachment left for Alang 
Alang? — A. No officer was present in Jaro at that time. but Lieutenant Estes came later 
in the day. 

Q. ANHiere w^ere Seiior Francisco Astorga living at the time when Alang Alang was 
burned? — A. He was in Jaro, but had his family in Barugo. 

Damaso Villamor, having been first duly sworn, testified as follows: 

Q. How old are you and where do you live? — A. I am 40 years of age and I live in 
Jaro. 

Q. ^Miere were you living in May, 1900? — A . In Jaro. 

Q. What American soldiers, if any, w^ere stationed in Jaro in the month of May, 
1900? — A. A detachment of American Volunteers. 

Q. Under whose command was this detachment? — A. Under Lieutenant Estes. 

Q. Did Lieutenant Estes live in Jaro? — A. No, sir; he was stationed at Karigara, 
but he visited Jaro frequently for the purpose of inspecting the detachment. A ser- 
geant was in charge of the detachment. I do not know" his name, but the people 
called him "Bulauan," because he had gold in his teeth. 

Q. Do you know who burned the towni of Alang Alang? — A. Soldiers belonging to 
the detachment of Jaro under the command of this sergeant. 

Q. How do you know that they did this burning? — A. Because some of the soldiers 
told me that, and they said further that they have burned it because there were 
insurrectos there. 

Q. Was any officer in Jaro at the time the detachment left for Alang Alang? — 
A. No, sir: the officer arrived that day later on. 

Q. Where was Senor Francisco Astorga living when Alang Alang was burned? — 
A. He was in Jaro, but had his family in Barugo. 

Q. Do you know what was the value of the tobacco per "mano" in May, 1900? — 
A. I do not know. 

Q. Do you know the general value of horses, carabaos, cows, and sheep at that 
time? — A. No, sir; I do not know. 

Aniceto Zabala, being first duly sworn, testified as follows: 

Q. How old are you and where do you live? — A. Thirty-six years and I live in Jaro. 

Q. Where were you living in May, 1900? — A. I was living in Jaro. 

Q. What office did you hold at that time? — A. I was "Cabeza de Barangay." 

Q. What American soldiers were there in May. 1900?— A. American volunteers. 

Q. Who was in c-ommand of these American volunteers? — A. A sergeant. 

Q. Do you know who burned the towm of Alang Alang? — A. The American troops, 
because they said themselves that there were insurrectos in Alang Alang. 

Q. Was any officer in Jaro when Alang Alang was burned? — A. No. sir: but later 
on that same day Lieut(Miant Estes arrived from Karigara. 

Q. Where was Senor Francisco Astorga living when Alang Alang was burned? — 
A. He was in Jaro, but had his family in Barugo. 

Q. Do you know the vahu' of tobacco at that time? — A. Yes. sir: the first class was 
worth 3 pesos a "mano;" other lower clast'cs were cheaper. 

Q. What was the value of hemp per pico? — A. I do not know. 

Q. What was the value of horses, carabaos, cows, and sheep at that time? — A. I do 
not know; I never had any myself. 



CLAIM OF FRANOISt!0 ASTORGA. 25 

Lupo Zabala, being first duly sworn, testified as follows: 

Q. How old are you? — A. 67 years. 

Q. Where do you reside? — ^A. I live in Tacloban. 

Q. Do you know the house formerly owned by Senor Astorga in the town of Alang 
Alang which was destroyed by fire in May, 1900? — A. I know the house very well; I 
built it myself. ' 

Q. Who paid you and the carpenters for the work of constructing the house? — A. 
Senor Astorga did. 

Q. How much did he pay you and the carpenters for that work? — A. He paid me 
1 peso per day, and some of the laborers had 75 cents a day and some others 50 and 25 
cents. The total amount paid for the erection of the house was about 1,500 pesos. 

Q. When completed what would you say was the value of that house? — A. That 
was a very fine house and could not have been built for less than 2,500 pesos. 

Q, Would it cost as much or more at the present time to build such a house as that? — 
A. To build^such a house now would cost 3,500 pesos, because the price of all materials 
are dearer now than it was then. 

Perfecta Lobo, being first duly sworn, testified as follows: 

Q. What is your age? — A. Sixty-two years. 

Q, ^\Tiere do you live? — A. In Alang Alang. 

Q. What relation are you to Senor Astorga? — A. Mother-in-law. 

Q. Where were you on the 17th of May, 1900? — A. I was in Barugo where I went in 
the month of April from the house of Seiior Astorga in Alang Alang. I left Alang 
Alang for fear of the insurrectos. 

Q. When you left the house of Senor Astorga and went to Barugo was the furniture 
and household property of Senor Astorga left in the house, or was it taken to the 
hacienda or to any other place? — A. They were not removed. All was left in the 
house. 

Q. State, if you know, what became of the house and furniture. — A. All was burned. 



Headquarters Department of the Visayas, 

Office of the Judge- Advocate, 
Iloilo, Panay, P. L, April 25, 1905. 
The Military Secretary, 

Departmerd of the Visayas, Iloilo, Panay, P. I. 

Sir: I have the honor to report that, in pursuance of paragraph 2, Special Orders, 
No. 55, current series, these headquarters, I proceeded on the 3d instant to Alang 
Alang, in the Island of Leyte, for the purpose of investigating the claim of Senor 
Francisco Astorga to reimbursement for certain property alleged to have been de- 
stroyed or lost in consequence of the burning of the town of Alang Alang on May 17, 
1900, by a detachment of United States Volunteers. 

In this connection, the letter of the Quartermaster-General, U. S. Army, dated 
December 14, 1904, was read and explained to Senor Astorga, who thereupon executed 
the paper hereto appended, marked "A," whereby he agreed to accept in full settle- 
ment of his claim the value of his losses, as ascertained by the surveying officer. 

All available witnesses were then examined under oath, and their testimony is 
hereto appended, marked "B." In conducting this investigation, careful and par- 
ticular attention was given to the points emphasized in the letter of the Quartermaster- 
General. 

It is established by the records on file at these headquarters, and the testimony of 
the witnesses, that on the 17th of May, 1900, the town of Jaro, which is about 5 miles 
distant from Alang Alang, was garrisoned by a detachment of the Forty-third Regi- 
ment, United States Volunteers, in charge of a sergeant, and that the town of Alang 
Alang was not garrisoned by American troops. There was no officer stationed at Jaro, 
but the detachment was inspected from time to time by Lieut. Charles E. Estes, 
Forty-third U. S. Volunteers. 

It is further established by the evidence, that the town of Alang Alang, including 
Seiior Astorga's property, was burned by this detachment of the Forty-third Volun- 
teers, and that the detachment was in charge of the said sergeant at that time. 

The burning of this town and the destruction of the property of Seiior Astorga, 
then as now, a faithful adherent of the United States, appears to have been the wanton 
act of an irresponsible detachment of enlisted men, equally unjustifiable and unwar- 
rantable. 

H. Doc. 715, 60-1—80 3 



26 CliAIM OF FEANOISCO ASTOEGA. 

The most careful inquiry was made as to the value of the claimant's property, and, 
in arriving at his conclusion in this respect, the surveying officer has been governed 
by the lowest market price of the several items during the month of May, 1900, and 
a deduction of about 50 per cent has been made for wear and tear incident to the use 
of household furniture. The values of lumber, hemp, tobacco, cattle, and carabao 
are far greater now than in the spring of 1900, and the same property now would be 
worth at least twice its value at that time. 

I therefore find : First. That the detachment which did the burning was commanded 
by a sergeant whose name is not ascertainable here. Second. There was neither 
reason nor cause for burning the town. Third. No steps were taken to protect the 
property of Francisco Astorga, because the burning was the act of an irresponsible 
party of enlisted men of the Forty-third Regiment, U. S. Volunteers, whose desire 
was to destroy and not to protect property regardless of its ownership. Fourth. I 
find the value of the property lost and destroyed, in detail, to be as follows: 



] J^frame dwelling house $1, 200 

2^warehouse8 500 

40 carabao, at $10 per head 400 



2 cane-bottom sofas, at $2.50 $5 

2 dining tables 10 

1 writing desk 5 



60 head cattle, at $10 per head. . . 600 I 2 dozen bojuco chairs 7 

12 head sheep, at $1.50 per head. 18 | 2 washstands 15 

18 horses, at $7.50 per head 135 Lamps, clocks pictures, etc 20 

2 wardrobes, at $20 40 80 picos hemp, at $5 400 

2 sets Vienna chairs, at $15 30 212 fordos tobacco 1, 500 

1 chiffonier 15 

2 marble-top tables, at $10. ..... . 20 T.otal 4, 935 

1 marble-top table 15 | 

Very respectfully, 

Clarence S. Nettles, 
Captain and Acting Judge- Advocate, U. S. Army, Surveying Officer. 



Alang Alang, Leyte, P. I., 

April 4, 1905. 
The Quartermaster-General, U. S. Army, 

Washington, D. C. 
Sir: The contents of your communication dated December 14, 1904, and addressed 
to the chief quartermaster, Philippine Division, Manila, P. I., having been commu- 
nicated to me by Capt. Clarence S. Nettles, acting judge-advocate, U. S. Army, 
judge-advocate, and survey officer. Department of the Viscayas, I hereby consent and 
agree to accept in full settlement of my claim against the United States for property 
destroyed by American troops in May, 1900, the value of such losses as ascertained by 
said Captain Nettles, Judge- Advocate, and survey officer. 

Very respectfully, Frank Astorga. 

o 



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